Polaris Sportsman 570 vs. 450: Why This Comparison Matters
If you’re shopping the Polaris Sportsman lineup, the Polaris Sportsman 570 vs 450 decision is the most common — and most confusing — choice in the brand’s entire ATV catalog.
On paper, they look almost identical: same body, same suspension layout, same 11-inch ground clearance, same towing capacity, same On-Demand True AWD. So why the price gap? Why two models? And which one is actually right for your riding?
The honest answer is that these two ATVs are aimed at different riders — even though they look like twins on the showroom floor. This guide breaks down exactly where they differ, where they’re identical, and how to pick the right one for the way you actually ride.
We see this exact decision play out daily at Guy’s Outdoor Motorsports & Marine in Lewiston, Idaho. Here’s how we walk customers through it.
Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. — Overview
The Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. is Polaris’s entry into the mid-size utility ATV class. Despite the “450” badge, the engine is actually a 500cc single-cylinder ProStar — Polaris simply tunes it to a lower output for a smoother, more controlled riding experience.
Key specs at a glance:
- Engine: 500cc single-cylinder ProStar (4-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected)
- Horsepower: ~33 HP
- Transmission: Automatic PVT (P/R/N/L/H) — no shifting required
- Drivetrain: On-Demand True AWD / 2WD
- Ground Clearance: 11″
- Front Suspension Travel: 8.2″
- Rear Suspension Travel: 9.2″
- Towing Capacity: 1,350 lb
- Starting MSRP (2026): $8,995
Who the 450 H.O. is built for:
- First-time ATV buyers who want a forgiving, easy-to-ride machine
- Homeowners using the ATV primarily for property maintenance, plowing, and light yard work
- Hunters needing reliable access without aggressive trail performance
- Anyone who wants the lowest entry price into the Polaris Sportsman family
The 450 H.O. is not underpowered — it’s intentionally tuned. The smooth, predictable power delivery is one of the reasons it’s such a popular pick for new riders, women riders, and shorter-distance utility users.
Polaris Sportsman 570 — Overview
The Polaris Sportsman 570 is the volume best-seller in the entire Sportsman lineup — and arguably the most well-rounded mid-displacement ATV on the market today. It uses the iconic 567cc single-cylinder ProStar engine, the same powerplant that has built the Sportsman 570’s reputation for over a decade.
Key specs at a glance:
- Engine: 567cc single-cylinder ProStar (4-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected)
- Horsepower: ~44 HP (roughly 33% more than the 450 H.O.)
- Transmission: Automatic PVT (P/R/N/L/H)
- Drivetrain: On-Demand True AWD / 2WD
- Ground Clearance: 11″
- Front Suspension Travel: 8.2″
- Rear Suspension Travel: 9.5″
- Towing Capacity: 1,350 lb
- Starting MSRP (2026): $10,799 (price varies by trim)
Who the 570 is built for:
- Trail riders who want power for hills, mud, and elevation
- Hunters working steep or remote terrain
- Property owners who haul, plow, or work the ATV hard year-round
- Buyers who want the widest selection of trim levels and special editions (Premium, Ultimate Trail, Hunt Edition, Touring, X2, 6×6, 40th Anniversary)
- Anyone planning to upgrade tires, add a winch and plow, or run the ATV at altitude
The Sportsman 570 is the most popular Polaris ATV in Idaho for one simple reason: it has enough power to handle real backcountry terrain without stepping up to the higher cost of the 850 or XP 1000.
Side-by-Side ATV Specs Comparison
| Specification | Sportsman 450 H.O. | Sportsman 570 |
| Engine Displacement | 500cc | 567cc |
| Cylinder Configuration | Single ProStar | Single ProStar |
| Horsepower (approx.) | ~33 HP | ~44 HP |
| Power Difference | Baseline | +33% more power |
| Transmission | Automatic PVT | Automatic PVT |
| Drivetrain | On-Demand True AWD | On-Demand True AWD |
| Ground Clearance | 11″ | 11″ |
| Front Suspension Travel | 8.2″ | 8.2″ |
| Rear Suspension Travel | 9.2″ | 9.5″ |
| Towing Capacity | 1,350 lb | 1,350 lb |
| Trim Levels Available | Standard, EPS | Standard, EPS, Premium, Ultimate, Hunt, Touring, X2, 6×6 |
| Starting MSRP (2026) | $8,995 | $10,799 |
| Price Difference | — | ~$1,800 more |
Specs based on current 2026 Polaris model-year information. Confirm with your dealer before purchase.
Engine & Performance: Where the Real Difference Lives
Both ATVs share the same chassis, suspension geometry, drivetrain, ground clearance, and towing rating. So when buyers ask “what’s the actual difference?” — the honest answer is: the engine, and what that means under real-world load.
Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. Power Profile
The 450 H.O. delivers smooth, linear, predictable power. It’s a fantastic match for:
- Flat-to-moderate terrain
- Light-to-medium loads
- New riders learning throttle control
- Plowing a 500–1,000 foot driveway
- Pulling a small trailer or hauling brush
Where it begins to feel its limits:
- Long, steep mountain climbs at elevation
- Pulling a fully-loaded trailer up a grade
- Aggressive mud or deep snow with large tires
- Long backcountry trail rides where extra power saves rider effort
Polaris Sportsman 570 Power Profile
The 570’s extra 11 horsepower is noticeable everywhere:
- Quicker throttle response and stronger acceleration
- More confident hill climbs, especially at Idaho elevation
- More margin under load when towing
- Better performance with upgraded tires (Bighorns, Mud Lites, etc.)
- More consistent power at altitude (above 5,000 ft)
If you ride above 4,000 feet often — which describes a huge percentage of Idaho’s serious trail riding — the 570 is almost always the better long-term call.
Suspension & Handling
Both machines use the same suspension architecture: MacPherson strut front, dual A-arm independent rear suspension (IRS). The Sportsman 570 has a marginal advantage in rear travel (9.5″ vs 9.2″), but for most riders this difference is barely perceptible.
What’s identical:
- Ride height and ground clearance (both 11″)
- Steering geometry
- Wheelbase
- Vehicle width (~48″ — important for 50″ trail compliance)
- Brake setup
Both ATVs are eligible for tight, narrow Idaho trails with 50″ width restrictions — a critical factor in regions like the Clearwater and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
Pricing & Value: Is the Sportsman 570 Worth $1,800 More?
At an MSRP gap of roughly $1,800, the Sportsman 570 vs 450 decision usually comes down to this question: what is 11 horsepower and a wider trim selection worth to me?
For some buyers, the answer is “not much — I just need a reliable workhorse.” That buyer should save the money and get the 450 H.O.
For most buyers — especially those riding Idaho trails, hunting at elevation, or planning to keep the ATV for 8+ years — the 570 earns the extra cost back in performance, capability, and resale value.
Quick value summary:
| Buyer Priority | Best Fit |
| Lowest price into a capable Polaris ATV | Sportsman 450 H.O. |
| Light yard work, plowing, easy trails | Sportsman 450 H.O. |
| Real Idaho trail riding | Sportsman 570 |
| High elevation use (4,000+ ft) | Sportsman 570 |
| Mud, snow, towing under load | Sportsman 570 |
| Premium trims, hunt editions, touring | Sportsman 570 |
| Strongest long-term resale value | Sportsman 570 |
Who Should Choose the Sportsman 450 H.O.?
Buy the Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. if:
- This is your first ATV and you want forgiving, predictable power
- You’re using the ATV primarily for property work, plowing, and yard maintenance
- Your trails are flat to moderate — no major mountain elevation
- You want the lowest entry price into the Polaris Sportsman family
- You don’t need premium trims, hunt packages, or touring (two-up) versions
- You want a “set it and forget it” reliable utility quad
The 450 H.O. is one of the most underrated values in the entire Polaris lineup — it’s only “less” than a 570 if you actually need what the 570 offers.
Who Should Choose the Sportsman 570?
Buy the Polaris Sportsman 570 if:
- You ride real trails in Idaho, Montana, Washington, or Oregon
- You’ll be riding at elevation (4,000+ feet) regularly
- You hunt or work in steep, remote, or rugged country
- You tow loaded trailers, haul firewood, or pull stuck rigs
- You plan to upgrade tires, add a winch, plow, or run aggressive accessories
- You want access to specialty trims like Hunt Edition, Touring, X2, or 6×6
- You want the best long-term resale value
- You’re stepping up from a youth ATV or older quad and want a machine you won’t outgrow
The 570 is the most popular ATV at Guy’s Outdoor for a reason — for the inland Northwest’s terrain, it hits the sweet spot of power, capability, and price.
The Verdict: Polaris Sportsman 570 vs. 450 — Best Polaris ATV for Most Riders
If we had to pick one across the board for Idaho buyers: the Polaris Sportsman 570 wins.
It’s not because the 450 H.O. is a bad ATV — it’s an excellent ATV. It’s because the 570’s extra 11 horsepower, wider trim availability, better high-elevation performance, and stronger resale value make it the smarter long-term purchase for the way most riders in this region actually use their machines.
The Sportsman 450 H.O. is the right answer for a specific kind of buyer — utility-first, budget-conscious, low-elevation, light-trail use. For everyone else, the 570 earns its $1,800 premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Polaris Sportsman 570 and 450?
The main difference is engine size and horsepower. The Polaris Sportsman 570 has a 567cc engine producing ~44 HP, while the Sportsman 450 H.O. uses a 500cc engine producing ~33 HP — about 33% less power. They share the same chassis, suspension layout, ground clearance, drivetrain, and towing capacity. The 570 also offers more trim levels and special editions.
Is the Polaris Sportsman 570 worth the extra money?
For most riders — especially anyone riding real trails, at elevation, or under load — yes. The 570’s extra horsepower, broader trim selection, and stronger resale value typically justify the ~$1,800 price gap. For light utility-only use, the 450 H.O. is the better value.
How much horsepower does the Polaris Sportsman 570 have?
The Polaris Sportsman 570 produces approximately 44 horsepower from its 567cc single-cylinder ProStar engine.
Is the Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. actually a 500cc?
Yes. Despite the “450” name, the Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. uses a 500cc single-cylinder ProStar engine. Polaris tunes it for smoother, more controlled power output than the 570.
Which Polaris Sportsman is best for beginners?
Both are beginner-friendly thanks to their automatic PVT transmission and on-demand AWD. The Sportsman 450 H.O. has a slight edge for new riders because its softer power delivery is easier to manage. However, many beginners successfully start on the Sportsman 570 for its longer-term value.
Where can I find a Polaris dealer in Idaho?
Guy’s Outdoor Motorsports & Marine in Lewiston, Idaho is an authorized Polaris dealer serving Idaho, eastern Washington, and western Montana. We carry one of the largest Polaris Sportsman inventories in the inland Northwest — including the Sportsman 450 H.O., Sportsman 570, 850, and XP 1000.
Can both ATVs fit on 50-inch trails?
Yes. Both the Sportsman 450 H.O. and Sportsman 570 measure approximately 48 inches wide, making them legal on Idaho’s 50-inch maximum trail systems.
